Light frequency therapy enhances the body’s natural healing processes by raising cellular energy, increasing production of the essential molecule ATP and decreasing fatigue as evidenced in a placebo-controlled study of fibromyalgia patients.
When shopping for light therapy devices, the FDA-Clearence is key for optimal health and well-being.
Low-level red light
Low-level red light therapy (LLLT) is an easy and safe solution that can be administered from home. LLLT treats a range of conditions while encouraging healing through stimulating cells and increasing energy production, reducing oxidative damage that degenerates joints and causes inflammation, stimulating bone marrow stem cells that repair damaged tissue or heal wounds faster and enhancing muscle recovery – as well as overall improvement of health.
Studies have demonstrated the power of low-level laser light therapy (LLLT) to promote nerve conduction and aid pain relief, whether by pulsed or continuous lighting; the wavelengths absorbed and duration of exposure play an integral part in this effect; many studies suggest pulsed lighting to be more beneficial than continuous for healing nerves.
LLLT may also help manage myopia. A recent randomized clinical trial demonstrated the ability of low-level red light therapy to significantly slow progression of myopia in children who had premyopia – and maintain this effect even after therapy had ended.
LLLT has an immense effect on cell bioenergetics, particularly within retina and brain tissues. The primary mechanism is through activating cytochrome c oxidase, an essential mitochondrial enzyme for bioenergetics that absorbs photons in the visible to near infrared spectrum range; additionally LLLT may alter cell structure by altering mitochondrial membrane composition.
Research increasingly demonstrates the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an effective solution for myopia and other refractive errors, although most doctors do not advise it as the sole solution; there are alternative treatments which may complement it to achieve maximum effect.
LLLT provides several advantages, including its ability to reduce eye strain, decrease inflammation and increase blood circulation. Furthermore, these effects can also benefit soft and connective tissues which will lead to improved mobility and reduced pain levels as well as reverse the symptoms of arthritis reversing them and increasing range of motion and flexibility. In addition, LLLT may boost collagen production and decrease oxidative stress which contributes to joint degeneration.
High-intensity blue light
High-intensity blue light has earned itself a bad reputation for its negative impacts on sleep and eye health. However, several devices on the market use this wavelength for treating various skin conditions, with red light being more effective at penetrating deeper layers. Blue light wavelengths may even reduce pain by inhibiting production of nerve-ending peptides that transmit pain signals; as well as stimulating cell repair and mitosis processes.
Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of high-intensity blue light therapy for treating various conditions, from chronic pain and wound healing, to helping manage symptoms associated with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, both common sources of fatigue. While evidence supporting its use remains limited, before making your decision regarding this therapy you should first consult your healthcare provider.
High-intensity blue light therapy relies on wavelength and duration for maximum effectiveness, and the ideal device should emit wavelengths between 340 to 500nm with pulse frequencies between 10Hz-10kHz – this combination reduces nerve sensitivity while stimulating endorphin production for therapeutic results.
Researchers have explored the effects of blue LED on small cells and tumors, but results remain enigmatic due to LED’s thermal and mechanical effects which are often poorly understood. It is known, however, that when exposed to blue LED irradiation leads to the death of small cells as well as inhibition of tumor cell growth.
Studies on blue light’s effects on bacterial infection have taken various approaches; most utilize laboratory conditions. Still, it’s essential to know that blue light can effectively kill Gram-positive bacteria as well as those residing in low oxygen environments – like Helicobacter pylori and Clostridium perfringens – among others.
Studies conducted at Surrey University Chronobiology Center revealed that blue light was more effective than white light at shifting circadian rhythms; however, it may not be suitable for all individuals and may even increase sebum production, leading to redness on your skin and possible breakouts.
Low-intensity green light
Green light therapy is one of the newest and most promising low-intensity light therapies. It has proven highly successful at relieving chronic pain such as fibromyalgia and migraines. Studies have revealed that green light stimulates fibroblast cells responsible for tissue healing while helping regulate your natural levels of serotonin to decrease pain levels and enhance sleep, in addition to aiding depression and anxiety symptoms.
Researchers have recently discovered that wavelengths of green light are more effective at relieving headaches than blue or red ones, due to being closer to human eyes than shorter red or infrared wavelengths and therefore easier for our bodies to absorb this type of illumination.
However, certain considerations must be made when using green light therapy. First and foremost is finding a lamp or device that emits the appropriate green wavelengths – specifically between 510 to 530 nanometers – which will ensure effective treatment for your condition. Furthermore, your light should block other wavelengths that could have adverse effects on the body.
Recent research conducted at University College London demonstrated that low-intensity green lighting significantly reduced migraine frequency and intensity for a group of participants. Each participant was exposed to one or two hours per night of low-intensity green LED light exposure in a dark room for one or two hours per night – they were asked not to watch television, tablet computers, etc while this light was on. As per results of this study, green light significantly decreased severity and frequency in all of its participants.
Though this research’s results are encouraging, its current size does not permit definitive conclusions to be drawn from it. Researchers hope that their work may lead to a larger clinical trial in the near future and also found that its effects were long-lasting – an additional positive aspect of green light treatment.
High-intensity yellow light
Sleep experts often advise us to switch off electronic devices and instead opt for warmer tones such as yellow light for our lighting when it is time for bed, as this is less stimulating to our bodies. Electronics emit lots of blue light that keeps us alert. Many newer smart phones and tablets now feature “Night Shift” settings that replace this blue light with more soothing yellow hues more conducive to sleep.
Light frequency therapy uses LED (light-emitting diode) lights instead of lasers for treating skin conditions, providing more flexible treatment options and easier administration without needing as much expertise from staff. Furthermore, LED treatments don’t cause as much tissue damage than laser treatments do and therefore are safer on sensitive areas of the body.
Cameron Chesnut, a facial plastic surgeon in Spokane who offers photobiomodulation treatments at his clinic, advises purchasing a system with multiple wavelengths for photobiomodulation. Red, yellow and near infrared lights are recommended; red light typically has wavelengths from 630-680 nanometers that penetrate skin layers 10 millimeters deep to stimulate mitochondrial function as well as accelerate surface wound healing as well as decrease pain and inflammation.
Blue light with wavelengths between 405 to 420 nanometers penetrates the epidermis, penetrating deep within and absorbing by it. Blue light can kill P. acnes bacteria by stimulating porphyrins that produce intracellular singlet oxygen, leading to cell death of P. acnes cells. Furthermore, blue light suppresses melatonin production while simultaneously increasing energy levels by stimulating serotonin release during the daytime.
Studies on LLLT have produced variable results, but most agree it can promote wound healing, decrease inflammation and relieve pain. Most studies were performed in vitro; results vary depending on whether pulsed light therapy (pulsing) or continuous wave (CW) lighting is used; pulsed allows light to penetrate deeper tissue layers due to higher peak powers; however these higher peak powers should still be carefully used in order to avoid any possible damage to cells or tissues.
